Word Origin & History

bank "financial institution," late 15c., from either O.It. banca or M.Fr. banque (itself from the O.It. word), both meaning "table" (the notion is of the moneylender's exchange table), from a Gmc. source (cf. O.H.G. bank "bench"); see bank (2). The verb meaning "to put confidence in" (U.S. colloquial) is attested from 1884. Bank holiday is from 1871, though the tradition is as old as the Bank of England. To cry all the way to the bank was coined 1956 by flamboyant pianist Liberace, after a Madison Square Garden concert that was packed with patrons but panned by critics.

Example Sentences for bank

The pony swung to the left and came to a halt close in under the bank.

He found that the sand rose gradually into a sort of drift or bank.

"I've got one down the Laughing Brook where the bank is steep," said he.

Mr. Peverell, the bank messenger, called at the saloon on his way back.

He had to face his landlord with some explanation of the bank's inquiry.

Hope leaped to the bank, and received her from the arms of the men who had drawn her out.

If she could only make that bank—where the land seemed firm!

I concluded they were a device of the bank messenger, by which he could square his package.

The Sacian took up a hard clod of earth from a bank as he walked along.

I was afraid if the building struck the bank it might be tumbled over on the steamers.